About American Heart Month

American Heart Month has been around since 1964 when President Johnson declared February as the month, and President Obama once again dedicated this month to learning about heart health. With a national awareness campaign running throughout the month, Obama committed to eliminating the number one killer of American women and men through awareness of the disease. According to an article from the American Heart Association’s blog, the Obama Administration is dedicated to ensuring Americans live longer, healthier, more productive lives

The American Heart Association, which leads the fight on heart health in America, spends more than $100 million annually, investing in studies, awareness, and funding of research to help Americans learn to be healthier and take care of their hearts for the entirety of their hopefully long lives. Since the 1964 inception of American Heart Month, deaths and diagnoses of cardiovascular disease has only increased, due in part to unhealthy lifestyle choices.

Here are the warning signs of heart attack, stroke, and cardiac arrest.

Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

Discomfort in the center of the chest

Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain

Pain in upper body

Shortness of breath

Cold sweat

Nausea

Lightheadedness

Warning Signs of a Stroke

Spot a stroke F.A.S.T. by looking for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and recognizing the Time to call 911.

Face Drooping. If you think someone may be having a stroke, ask the person to smile.

Arm Weakness. Is one arm weak or numb?

Speech Difficulty. Is speech difficult or slurred?

Time to call 911. Even if those symptoms go away, call 911.

Warning Signs of a Cardiac Arrest

Sudden loss of responsiveness

Irregular breathing

If you are curious about what your risk is for getting heart disease, here are a few of the major risk factors that can contribute to a higher chance of contracting heart disease at any point in your life.

Major Risk Factors

Age

Gender

Family history

High blood pressure

High cholesterol

Physical inactivity

Obesity or overweight

Smoking

Diabetes

Poor diet

Eating heart healthy foods like fruits vegetables, fish and whole grains will help lower your blood pressure. Exercising at least 150 minutes a week, or 30 minutes for 5 days a week will increase the health of your heart. Lowering your intake of sugar is a great way to eat healthier, and controlling your intake of cholesterol will help prevent the risk of a heart attack. Health and wellness in Kansas City should be a top priority. For more information on how to make heart disease less prevalent for you and your family members, visit healthwellmobile.com and heart.org.